PIA Press Release2006/10/09

Bridge board richer by P110-T

By Minerva BC Newman

The Mactan-Cebu Bridge Management Board (MCBMB) is richer by P110,000.00 per month starting November 1, 2006-October 30, 2007 from the rentals of 130 lamp posts at the First Mandaue-Mactan and the Marcelo Fernan bridges that will be used by the City Advertising Ventures Corp. for its advertisements having won the bidding earlier this month.

The MCBMB led by Gov. Gwen Garcia and City Advertising Ventures represented by its president Dexter Lim, inked the contract of lease recently. The contract shall cover a period of one year to begin November 1 and shall automatically expire without notice and demand on October 2007.

The APM advertising firm was the first winner in the bidding that was conducted early this year but it withdrew its contract on July 17 with an arrear payments of almost a million pesos. The firm was not able to put up advertisements on the lamp posts, but it still has to pay the P1Million arrears as stipulated in the contract.

The Mandaluyong-based City Advertising Ventures through its president Dexter Lim said, "We are pleased to be working with you and hopefully, we will have a longer relationship."

With the upcoming ASEAN Summit and the Sinulog, the advertising firm will have a million opportunities to advertise products and services. However, the MCBMB has set guidelines for advertisers to follow: (a) materials should follow the norms of good morals and promote the cultural practices and history of the region; (b) the ADS must not use glaring colors and they must not be placed after sidewalks so as not to block the motorists' view and lastly, (c) AD materials must be structurally safe and strong to withstand strong winds.

The MCBMB has now a total asset of more than P3-million invested in Treasury Bills and special savings deposit but these will be used for the operations, upkeep and management of the two bridges.

Meantime, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Administrative Order 160 to regulate strictly the billboard industry so as not to pose danger to the people. With the AO-160, it is expected that the Dept. of Public Highways along with other concerned agencies and the LGUs to deliver results on the inspection the soonest possible time, and map out safety measures to keep the public out of harm's way. (PIA-Cebu) [top]